'''South London''' is generally defined as any part of Greater [[London]] that is south of the river Thames. However this guide will only cover the outer South London boroughs, and 'exclude' the inner South London boroughs namely; Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich, and the westerly borough of Richmond upon Thames.

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'''South London''' is generally defined as any part of Greater [[London]] that is south of the river Thames. However, this guide will only cover the outer South London boroughs, and 'exclude' the inner South London boroughs namely; Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham & Greenwich.

'''''Croydon''' links here. For other places with the same name, see [[Croydon (disambiguation)]].''

'''''Croydon''' links here. For other places with the same name, see [[Croydon (disambiguation)]].''

==Understand==

==Understand==

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Most areas of present South London were once towns and villages in the counties of '''[[Surrey]]''', '''[[Kent]]''' & '''Middlesex''' outside London, which were assimilated by London as it expanded rapidly in the 19th & 20th centuries. Surrey and Kent are still used as part of the official postal addresses for some areas of south London.

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Most areas of present South London were once towns and villages in the counties of '''[[Surrey]]''' and '''[[Kent]]''' outside London, which were assimilated by London as it expanded rapidly in the 19th & 20th centuries. Surrey and Kent are still used as part of the official postal addresses for some areas of south London.

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Most of outer South London is residential suburbia, and generally of little tourist interest. The main towns of outer south London are Kingston-upon-Thames, [[Wimbledon]], Sutton, Croydon, Bromley & Bexleyheath. Each of these towns are major commercial centres with major transport interchanges, entertainment & shopping centres.

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Most of outer South London is residential suburbia, and generally of little tourist interest. The main towns of outer south London are Kingston-upon-Thames, [[Wimbledon]], Sutton, Croydon, Bromley and Bexleyheath. Each of these towns are major commercial centres with major transport interchanges, entertainment & shopping centres.

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'''Kingston-upon-Thames''' would have to be considered the most interesting of the aforementioned towns for visitors. It is a former market town within the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames. It is where many Saxon kings were crowned before the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066. It has a pleasant riverside location with views across the river to nearby '''Hampton Court Palace''' & Park, which is a tourist destination anyone visiting London, should really try & see.

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'''Kingston-upon-Thames''' would have to be considered the most interesting of the aforementioned towns for visitors. It is a former market town within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. It is where many Saxon kings were crowned before the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066. It has a pleasant riverside location with views across the river to nearby '''Hampton Court Palace''' & Park, which is a tourist destination anyone visiting London should really try & see.

Bromley is a borough of [[London]], situated in the south east of Greater London. Much of the borough was historically in the county of [[Kent]], as is reflected by the presence of Kent County Cricket Club's second XI in Beckenham, and the fact that the postal county of Kent is sometimes still used for traditional reasons for much of the borough (though postal counties are no longer required in UK postal addresses). The London Borough of Bromley was created in 1965 by the London Government Act 1963.

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Bromley is a borough of [[London]], situated in the southeast of Greater London. Much of the borough was historically in the county of [[Kent]], as is reflected by the presence of Kent County Cricket Club's second XI and Tewnty20 teams in Beckenham, and the fact that the postal county of Kent is sometimes still used for traditional reasons for much of the borough (though postal counties are no longer required in UK postal addresses). Beckenham and Crystal Palace Park use to host confusingly the London CCC, which has the famous WG Grace before it was disbanded. The London Borough of Bromley was created in 1965 by the London Government Act 1963 and officially incoporated into Greater London. HG Wells grew up in a house along the High St, which until recently had a sci-fi mural in tribute to him. Charles Darwin also lived further out, at '''Down House''', which is in the greenbelt to the southern edge of the Borough. Here one can find '''Biggin Hill Airport''' a small private airfield, used mainly for civil aviation, an International Air Fair in June and also featured in the Da Vinci Code.

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The borough is the largest in London by area and occupies 59 square miles (153 km²). The borough shares borders with Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley to the north, Southwark and Lambeth to the north west, Croydon to the west; and the counties of Surrey to the south and Kent to the south and east.

The borough is the largest in London by area and occupies 59 square miles (153 km²). The borough shares borders with Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley to the north, Southwark and Lambeth to the north west, Croydon to the west; and the counties of Surrey to the south and Kent to the south and east.

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===By train===

===By train===

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South London is served by several train services from Central London stations. Check the London Transport maps for the correct station

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South London is served by several train services from Central London stations. Check the London Transport maps for the correct station as the layout of the lines is rather confused in places.

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as the layout of the lines is rather confused in places.

As a rough guide, services run:

As a rough guide, services run:

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=====By car=====

=====By car=====

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The M25 sits on the southern edge of the borough. Junction 4 (Bromley/Orpington) quickly connects with the A21, though for Chislehurst and areas it may be quicker to use Junction 3. The A21 is the main London to Hastings road and it runs through the borough before heading south to Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.

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The M25 sits on the southern edge of the borough. Junction 4 (Bromley/Orpington) quickly connects with the A21, though for Chislehurst and areas it may be quicker to use Junction 3. The A21 is the main London to Hastings road and it runs through the borough before heading south to Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.

=====By train=====

=====By train=====

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The borough has 27 railway stations which cover much of the area and are served by three Central London stations; London Victoria, London Blackfriars and London Bridge (and, by extension, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Charing Cross). The main transport hub in the borough is Bromley South, with regular fast trains to London Victoria and a network of buses that stop outside the station and go to all parts of the borough. Orpington is the major station for the east of the borough.

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The borough has 27 railway stations which cover much of the area and are served by three Central London stations; London Victoria, London Blackfriars and London Bridge (and, by extension, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Charing Cross). The main transport hub in the borough is Bromley South, with regular fast trains to London Victoria and a network of buses that stop outside the station and go to all parts of the borough. Orpington is the major station for the east of the borough.

=====By air=====

=====By air=====

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Biggin Hill Airport is a former RAF airfield from which the Battle of Britain was coordinated and serves private jets. While the runway is usable by aircraft up to Boeing 737/Airbus A320 size, it is prohibited for airline operators to sell tickets for flights in and out of the airport, thus there are no scheduled or holiday charter flights from the airport. However, there is still a surprisingly large number of business flights.

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Biggin Hill Airport is a former RAF airfield from which the Battle of Britain was coordinated and serves private jets. While the runway is usable by aircraft up to Boeing 737/Airbus A320 size, it is prohibited for airline operators to sell tickets for flights in and out of the airport, thus there are no scheduled or holiday charter flights from the airport. However, there is still a surprisingly large number of business flights.

===Croydon===

===Croydon===

=====By Underground=====

=====By Underground=====

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Croydon is not served by the Underground network. However, the old East London Line has been integrated into the new London Overground network, linking West Croydon Station to Dalston Junction via New Cross, Docklands, and Whitechapel. This service, which started in June 2010, uses new rolling stock with longitudinal seating layouts similar to those used on Underground trains, allowing for more standing room. It is operated by Transport for London as part of the London Overground scheme.

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Croydon is not served by the Underground network. However the old East London Line has been integrated into the new London Overground network, linking West Croydon Station to Dalston Junction via New Cross, Docklands, and Whitechapel. This service, which started in June 2010, uses new rolling stock with longitudinal seating layouts similar to those used on Underground trains allowing for more standing room. It is operated by Transport for London as part of the London Overground scheme.

Tramlink, opened in 2000, is the first modern tram system to operate in London. Trams at the moment have destinations at Beckenham, [[London/Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], Elmers End and New Addington with all lines traveling through Croydon, on the Croydon Loop. It can also be used to reach the Underground in Wimbledon. Tramlink also has planned extensions to the M25 motorway (Park & Ride system), Sutton, Bromley, [[London/Southwark-Lewisham|Lewisham]] with a planned extension to [[London/Southwark-Lewisham|Crystal Palace]]. All these plans have been shelved by the current Major of London.

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Tramlink, opened in 2000, is the first modern tram system to operate in Greater London. Trams at the moment have destinations at Beckenham, [[London/Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], Elmers End and New Addington with all lines traveling through Croydon, on the Croydon Loop. It can also be used to reach the Underground in Wimbledon. Tramlink also has planned extensions to the M25 motorway (Park & Ride system), Sutton, Bromley, [[London/Southwark-Lewisham|Lewisham]] with a planned extension to [[London/Southwark-Lewisham|Crystal Palace]]. All these plans have been shelved by the current Major of London.

=====By train=====

=====By train=====

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East Croydon station, is the second busiest station in London, and the main station for Croydon. Fast trains run into the centre of London terminating at Victoria or London Bridge stations in about 15-20 minutes.

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East Croydon station is the second busiest station in London and the main station for Croydon. Fast trains run into the centre of London terminating at Victoria or London Bridge stations in about 15-20 minutes.

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There are direct service connections to London Gatwick & London Luton airports. Journey times from East Croydon to London Gatwick airport range from 15 to 36 minutes, with an average of 13 services per hour during the day. The journey time from East Croydon to London Luton airport is approximately 66 minutes, with an average of 4 services per hour during the day. The train service for London Luton airport also stops at London St Pancras (average journey time approximately 40 minutes), providing interconnections for Eurostar services to [[Lille]], [[Paris]] & [[Brussels]]; as well as national services to the north of England & [[Scotland]]. There are no direct train services to London Heathrow airport. Typical fastest journey time would be approximately 90 minutes, and involve at least two changes.

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There are direct service connections to London Gatwick and London Luton airports. Journey times from East Croydon to London Gatwick airport range from 15 to 36 minutes, with an average of 13 services per hour during the day. The journey time from East Croydon to London Luton airport is approximately 66 minutes, with an average of 4 services per hour during the day. The train service for London Luton airport also stops at London St Pancras (average journey time approximately 40 minutes), providing interconnections for Eurostar services to [[Lille]], [[Paris]] and [[Brussels]], as well as national services to the north of England & [[Scotland]]. There are no direct train services to London Heathrow airport. Typical fastest journey time would be approximately 90 minutes and involve at least two changes.

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All services from London Victoria that head to the South Coast stop here. Journey times from East Croydon to [[Brighton]] range from 36 to 60 minutes, with an average of 9 services per hour during the day.

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All services from London Victoria that head to the south coast stop here. Journey times from East Croydon to [[Brighton (England)|Brighton]] range from 36 to 60 minutes, with an average of 9 services per hour during the day.

Services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect.

Services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect.

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==See==

==See==

===Bexley===

===Bexley===

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*'''Danson Park''' is a beautiful yet under-visited park, next to Welling, that features a mansion house (Danson House) and boating lake.

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*'''Red House''' in Bexleyheath is a major building of the history of the 'Arts and Crafts style' and of 19th century British architecture. Has some interesting textile displays. William Morris lived here, the architect was Philip Webb, with wall paintings and stained glass by Edward Burne-Jones. Run by English Heritage. Not open every day.

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*'''Woolwich Dockyard''' - historic area for ship and weapons-making. The Arsenal (of which the football club derives its name from) is little left, although there is an Artillery Musuem and parade ground for soldiers which is sometimes stil used.

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*'''Danson Park''' is a truly stunning yet under-visited park, next to Welling, that features a mansion house (Danson House) and boating lake.

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*'''Woolwich Dockyard''' - historic area for both ship and weapon-making. The Arsenal (of which the football club derives its name from) is little left, although there is an Artillery Musuem and parade ground with attached garrison for soldiers which is sometimes used. Will be hosting several events for the Olympics.

*'''Charlton House''', a Jacobean manor house. Formerly housing a museum and archives, the mansion is now a community centre, and much of the former pleasure grounds are parks.

*'''Charlton House''', a Jacobean manor house. Formerly housing a museum and archives, the mansion is now a community centre, and much of the former pleasure grounds are parks.

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*'''Green Chain Walk''', begins at the gardens by the '''Thames Barrier''' and is a leafy pedestrian and cycle path that continues deeper into the southern suburbs.

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*'''Abbey Woods''', as the name suggests, woods with a now-ruined abbey (Lesnes).

===Bromley===

===Bromley===

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*<see name="Chislehurst Caves" alt="" address="Old Hill, Chislehurst" directions="" phone="+44 20 8467 3264" url="http://www.chislehurstcaves.co.uk/" hours="W-Su 10AM-4PM, seven days during school holidays" price="£5, concessions £3, under 5's free" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]"> A seriously underlooked attraction, the caves are not in fact caves but a twenty-mile long network of passageways, carved from the chalk deep under Chislehurst over a period of 8,000 years. Used as a massive air-raid shelter during World War II, the Caves are now a local tourist attraction. Tours often last for an hour, were you'll learn the fascinating history as well as hear ghost and horror stories. It can also be rented as a venue, and is used for by those into D&D 'cosplay' games. </see> Nearby, the exiled Emperor Napoleon III lived in a country house, which is now Chislehurst golf club. Derwent House is also notable for its exquisite style.

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*<see name="Chislehurst Caves" alt="" address="Old Hill, Chislehurst" directions="" phone="+44 20 8467 3264" url="http://www.chislehurstcaves.co.uk/" hours="W-Su 10AM-4PM, seven days during school holidays" price="£5, concessions £3, under 5's free" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]"> A seriously underlooked attraction, the caves are not in fact caves but a twenty-mile long network of passageways, carved from the chalk deep under Chislehurst over a period of 8,000 years. Used as a massive air-raid shelter during World War II, the Caves are now a local tourist attraction. Tours often last for an hour, were you'll learn the fascinating history as well as hear ghost and horror stories. It can also be rented as a venue, and is used for by those into D&D 'cosplay' games.</see> Nearby, the exiled Emperor Napoleon III lived in a country house, which is now Chislehurst golf club. Derwent House is also notable for its exquisite style.

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*<see name="Crofton Roman Villa" alt="" address="Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Rd, Orpington" directions="" phone="+44 (0)20 8460 1442" url="http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/museums/croftonvilla/" hours="Apr-Oct, Bank Holidays, W F 10AM-1PM and 2PM-5PM, Su 2PM-5PM" price="£1, children £0.70" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">The only villa open to the public in Greater London. It was inhabited from about AD 140-400 and was the centre of a large farming estate. Today you can see the remains of 10 rooms protected inside a public viewing building. Remains include tiled (tessellated) floors and the under-floor heating system (hypocaust).</see>

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*<see name="Crofton Roman Villa" alt="" address="Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Rd, Orpington" directions="" phone="+44 20 8460 1442" url="http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/museums/croftonvilla/" hours="Apr-Oct, Bank Holidays, W F 10AM-1PM and 2PM-5PM, Su 2PM-5PM" price="£1, children £0.70" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]">The only villa open to the public in Greater London. It was inhabited from about AD 140-400 and was the centre of a large farming estate. Today you can see the remains of 10 rooms protected inside a public viewing building. Remains include tiled (tessellated) floors and the under-floor heating system (hypocaust).</see>

*<see name="Down House" alt="" address="Luxted Rd, Downe" directions="" phone="+44 1689 859119" url="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.14922" hours="Feb-mid-Dec W-Su 11AM-4PM, additional hours in spring and summer" price="£8.80, children £4.40, English Heritage members free" lat="" long="" email="">It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote ''On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'', the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world when it was published in 1859. Built in the early 18th century, the house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. The rooms on the ground floor have been furnished to reflect the domestic life of the family and the first floor offers an interactive exhibition on his life, his research and his discoveries. English Heritage has restored the gardens to their appearance in Darwin's time.</see>

*<see name="Down House" alt="" address="Luxted Rd, Downe" directions="" phone="+44 1689 859119" url="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.14922" hours="Feb-mid-Dec W-Su 11AM-4PM, additional hours in spring and summer" price="£8.80, children £4.40, English Heritage members free" lat="" long="" email="">It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote ''On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'', the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world when it was published in 1859. Built in the early 18th century, the house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. The rooms on the ground floor have been furnished to reflect the domestic life of the family and the first floor offers an interactive exhibition on his life, his research and his discoveries. English Heritage has restored the gardens to their appearance in Darwin's time.</see>

*'''Green Chain Walk''', begins at the gardens by the '''Thames Barrier''' and is a leafy pedestrian and cycle path that continues deeper into the south-eastern suburbs. Can also check the pretty villages of Kent dotted around just outside London.

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*Watch a match at Welling United or Charlton Atheletic.

===Bromley===

===Bromley===

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* <do name="Churchill Theatre" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Offers a range of theatrical performances, including touring productions, performances by (very good) local amateur groups, and pantomime during the Christmas and New Year period (usually starring somebody who used to be in Neighbours). '''Bromley Little Theatre''' is close to the North Station. [http://www.bromleylittletheatre.org/home.htm]</do>

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* <do name="Churchill Theatre" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Offers a range of theatrical performances, including touring productions, performances by (very good) local amateur groups, and pantomime during the Christmas and New Year period (usually starring somebody who used to be in Neighbours). '''Bromley Little Theatre''' is close to the North Station. [http://www.bromleylittletheatre.org/home.htm] Bromley also has a medium-sized Odeon cinema. </do>

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*'''Quaser''' a laser-tag centre along Bromley Road in Downham, which is good fun for the kids or a rainy afternoon.[http://www.quasarelitebromley.com/asp/home.asp].

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*'''Quaser''', a laser-tag arena along Bromley Road in Downham, which is good fun for the kids or a rainy afternoon.[http://www.quasarelitebromley.com/asp/home.asp].

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*There is a large swimming pool in the '''Glades''' shopping mall, which has flume shoots and a wave-machine.

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*There is a large swimming pool in the '''Pavillion Leisure Centre''' [http://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/leisure/leisure-centres/pavilion-leisure-centre/default.aspx], which has flume shoots and a wave-machine.

===Croydon===

===Croydon===

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* <do name="David Lean Cinema" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.croydonclocktower.org.uk" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Croydon's only independent cinema, named after the famous film director who was born in Croydon. The cinema is operated by Croydon Council.</do>

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* <do name="David Lean Cinema" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.croydonclocktower.org.uk/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Croydon's only independent cinema, named after the famous film director who was born in Croydon. The cinema is operated by Croydon Council.</do>

* <do name="Crystal Palace Football Club" alt="" address="Selhurst Park Stadium, Whitehorse Lane, SE25 6PU" directions="" phone="Ticket office: 08712 000071" url="http://www.footballgroundguide.com/crystal_palace/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Crystal Palace F.C are a professional football league club. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.

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* <do name="Crystal Palace Football Club" alt="" address="Selhurst Park Stadium, Whitehorse Lane, SE25 6PU" directions="" phone="Ticket office: 0871 200 0071" url="http://www.footballgroundguide.com/crystal_palace/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Crystal Palace F.C are a professional football league club. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.

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The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, capacity 26,309 (all seated), where it has been based since 1924. </do>

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The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, capacity 26,309 (all seated), where it has been based since 1924. </do> Another popular south London side, with more of a family-feel is '''Charlton Athletic''' who play at The Valley, also 26,000 all seated capacity.

* <do name="Surrey County Cricket Club" alt="" address="Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" haling="Haling" south="South" cr2="CR2" email="" fax="">Surrey County C.C is one of the 18 professional county clubs which make up the English domestic cricket structure. They play four home games away from the Oval (Kennington, Lambeth/South London) each season. Two of these games are played at the Whitgift School, the other two games are played in Guildford. See their website for fixture list.</do>

* <do name="Surrey County Cricket Club" alt="" address="Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" haling="Haling" south="South" cr2="CR2" email="" fax="">Surrey County C.C is one of the 18 professional county clubs which make up the English domestic cricket structure. They play four home games away from the Oval (Kennington, Lambeth/South London) each season. Two of these games are played at the Whitgift School, the other two games are played in Guildford. See their website for fixture list.</do>

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* <do name="Croydon Football Club" alt="" address="Croydon Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, SE25 4QL" directions="" phone="020 8654 8555" url="http://www.croydon-fc.co.uk/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Croydon F.C are a semi-professional "non-league" football club founded in 1953, as Croydon Amateurs. They currently compete in the Kent League Premier Division. Croydon Sports Arena is 2 minutes walk away from the Arena tram stop. They are somewhat overshadowed by '''Croydon Athletic''' though.</do> There is several other 'semi-pro' sides playing various divisions, in the southern suburbs of which they are named after, such as '''Welling United''', '''Bromley F.C.''', '''Sutton United''' and '''Cray Wanderers''' - the oldest association football club still in existance in London. Tickets are typically between £3-10, which is far cheaper then watching Crystal Palace or a Premiership side, and arguably a more authentic experience, as you'll be sharing a seat (or more likely standing) pitchside, next to passionate fans, who help run or own shares in the club.

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* <do name="Croydon Football Club" alt="" address="Croydon Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, SE25 4QL" directions="" phone="+44 20 8654 8555" url="http://www.croydon-fc.co.uk/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Croydon F.C are a semi-professional "non-league" football club founded in 1953, as Croydon Amateurs. They currently compete in the Kent League Premier Division. Croydon Sports Arena is 2 minutes walk away from the Arena tram stop. They are somewhat overshadowed by '''Croydon Athletic''' though.</do> There is several other 'semi-pro' sides playing various divisions, in the southern suburbs of which they are named after, such as '''Welling United''', '''Bromley F.C.''', '''Sutton United''' and '''Cray Wanderers''' - the oldest association football club still in existance in London. Tickets are typically between £3-10, which is far cheaper then watching Crystal Palace or a Premiership side, and arguably a more authentic experience, as you'll be sharing a seat (or more likely standing) pitchside, next to passionate fans, who help run or own shares in the club.

*'''Croydon Pirates''' is one of the largest baseball clubs, actually located at Roundshaw, just in the Borough of Sutton. They boast two diamonds and often host the London Baseball Tournament in August. They have a team in the highest divison of baseball in the UK, which is still amateur. [http://www.croydonpirates.co.uk/]. Similarly, there is '''Richmond Flames''', which sport several sides in different leagues and play further afield in south-west London.

*'''Croydon Pirates''' is one of the largest baseball clubs, actually located at Roundshaw, just in the Borough of Sutton. They boast two diamonds and often host the London Baseball Tournament in August. They have a team in the highest divison of baseball in the UK, which is still amateur. [http://www.croydonpirates.co.uk/]. Similarly, there is '''Richmond Flames''', which sport several sides in different leagues and play further afield in south-west London.

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Most of London's sporting venues are within easy reach of Croydon, via public transport.

Most of London's sporting venues are within easy reach of Croydon, via public transport.

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* <do name="Wimbledon - Lawn Tennis Championships" alt="" address="The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5AE" directions="" phone="020 8944 1066" url="http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/index.html" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held each year over a two week period in late June & early July.

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* <do name="Wimbledon - Lawn Tennis Championships" alt="" address="The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5AE" directions="" phone="+44 20 8944 1066" url="http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held each year over a two week period in late June & early July.

Take tram from Croydon to Wimbledon, then either use special bus service or short walk using directions provided on website. Typical journey time should be no more than 30-40 minutes. </do>

Take tram from Croydon to Wimbledon, then either use special bus service or short walk using directions provided on website. Typical journey time should be no more than 30-40 minutes. </do>

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* <do name="Football" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Football enthusiasts can catch two clubs that play at Kingsmeadow, also known as The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium due to a commercial sponsorship deal.</do>

* <do name="Football" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Football enthusiasts can catch two clubs that play at Kingsmeadow, also known as The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium due to a commercial sponsorship deal.</do>

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** <do name="AFC Wimbledon" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="020 8547 3528, tickets 020 8546 9582" email="" fax="" url="http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk" hours="" price="">Founded in 2002 by former fans of Wimbledon F.C. when that club received approval to move from London to [[Milton Keynes]], where the club is now known as Milton Keynes Dons. After a series of promotions in the following years, AFC Wimbledon will make their debut in Football League Two, the fourth tier of England's professional club system, in 2011–12.</do>

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** <do name="AFC Wimbledon" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+44 20 8547 3528, tickets +44 20 8546 9582" email="" fax="" url="http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/" hours="" price="">Founded in 2002 by former fans of Wimbledon F.C. when that club received approval to move from London to [[Milton Keynes]], where the club is now known as Milton Keynes Dons. After a series of promotions in the following years, AFC Wimbledon are now in Football League Two, the fourth tier of England's professional club system.</do>

It is possible to also still see speedway and dog-racing at Wimbledon stadium, which is in the Borough of Merton.

It is possible to also still see speedway and dog-racing at Wimbledon stadium, which is in the Borough of Merton.

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* <buy name="The Mall" alt="" address="" directions="The southern section of the High Street, which runs down to Bromley South Station" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Does not get many shoppers.</buy>

* <buy name="The Mall" alt="" address="" directions="The southern section of the High Street, which runs down to Bromley South Station" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Does not get many shoppers.</buy>

Croydon is one of the top 20 retail destinations in the [[United Kingdom]], it has two large and a smaller shopping centers. All the major chain stores can be found in Croydon, along with most department stores (including the only Allders left in the UK).

Croydon is one of the top 20 retail destinations in the [[United Kingdom]], it has two large and a smaller shopping centers. All the major chain stores can be found in Croydon, along with most department stores (including the only Allders left in the UK).

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* <buy name="Beano's / Marketplace" alt="" address="Middle Street" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.beanosmarketplace.co.uk" hours="10AM - 6PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Beano's which once was the largest second-hand CD, LP and DVD store in Europe, has now closed. It has however been replaced by Marketplace, which consist of 50 small market stalls selling arts & crafts.</buy>

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* <buy name="Beano's / Marketplace" alt="" address="Middle Street" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.beanosmarketplace.co.uk/" hours="10AM - 6PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Beano's which once was the largest second-hand CD, LP and DVD store in Europe, has now closed. It has however been replaced by Marketplace, which consist of 50 small market stalls selling arts & crafts.</buy>

* <buy name="Centrale Shopping Centre" alt="" address="North End" directions="Close to West Croydon station" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.centrale.co.uk/" hours="M-W, F Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Th 9:30AM-9:00PM, Su 11AM-5PM" price="">Shopping centre opened in 2004, situated on 4 floors. Shops include House of Fraser, Debenhams, Next, Zara, H&M, French Connection and Aldo. The Food Gallery is on the top floor of centre and includes a wide variety of restaurants.</buy>

* <buy name="Centrale Shopping Centre" alt="" address="North End" directions="Close to West Croydon station" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.centrale.co.uk/" hours="M-W, F Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Th 9:30AM-9:00PM, Su 11AM-5PM" price="">Shopping centre opened in 2004, situated on 4 floors. Shops include House of Fraser, Debenhams, Next, Zara, H&M, French Connection and Aldo. The Food Gallery is on the top floor of centre and includes a wide variety of restaurants.</buy>

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Kingston has the most extensive range of shops in the southeast of England outside central London, and is very popular, especially at weekends. Virtually all major chains have branches, as well as several independent shops and boutiques.

Kingston has the most extensive range of shops in the southeast of England outside central London, and is very popular, especially at weekends. Virtually all major chains have branches, as well as several independent shops and boutiques.

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* <buy name="Bentall centre" alt="" address="Clarence St" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.thebentallcentre-shopping.com" hours="" price="">Biggest shopping mall. Four-storey mall, which is anchored by a multi-level department store, Bentalls, which sells high-end fashion, home ware and specialty food products. John Lewis is the other main department store in town and is noted for quality. It has a branch of Waitrose supermarket in the basement.</buy>

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* <buy name="Bentall centre" alt="" address="Clarence St" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.thebentallcentre-shopping.com/" hours="" price="">Biggest shopping mall. Four-storey mall, which is anchored by a multi-level department store, Bentalls, which sells high-end fashion, home ware and specialty food products. John Lewis is the other main department store in town and is noted for quality. It has a branch of Waitrose supermarket in the basement.</buy>

* <buy name="Kingston Marketplace" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">The marketplace was historically at the heart of Kingston's prosperity, benefiting from a Royal Charter forbidding any other markets within seven miles. Today it mostly sells fruit and vegetables, although there are some other stalls. There are also occasional visiting markets from France and Germany that sell regional produce and takeaway food and drink.</buy>

* <buy name="Kingston Marketplace" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">The marketplace was historically at the heart of Kingston's prosperity, benefiting from a Royal Charter forbidding any other markets within seven miles. Today it mostly sells fruit and vegetables, although there are some other stalls. There are also occasional visiting markets from France and Germany that sell regional produce and takeaway food and drink.</buy>

*There is a large choice of typical resturants you would see on most High Streets, of England, with some good curryhouses spread around.

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*'''Pan-Chicago''' American deep-pan Pizza.

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*'''Caligvlette''' Fine Greek and Meditarreanean cusine, next to the '''GreyHound''' Wetherspoons Pub on the High St. [http://www.caligvlette.com/]

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*There is a large choice of typical resturants you would see on most High Streets, such as '''Zizzi''' or '''Pizza Express''', with some good curryhouses spread around like ''''Tinga''' next to Odeon Cinema. Opposite is '''Taste Buffet''', which has standard Chinese dishes, but the friendly service lends a personal touch to your dining. £6.40 Lunchtimes.

Borough-wide, Bromley's town centre drinking establishments are generally the sort of generic chain fayre you would find anywhere. However, away from the centres, there are good pubs, many in the traditional vein.

Borough-wide, Bromley's town centre drinking establishments are generally the sort of generic chain fayre you would find anywhere. However, away from the centres, there are good pubs, many in the traditional vein.

*<drink name="The Prince Frederick" alt="" address="31 Nichol Ln, Sundridge Park" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Allegedly the only pub named after George II's son, ''Poor Fred'', Prince of Wales. It has managed to retain its traditional feel by maintaining separate saloon and lounge bars. A good choice of ales and lagers but no food. Greene King pub.</drink>

*<drink name="The Prince Frederick" alt="" address="31 Nichol Ln, Sundridge Park" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Allegedly the only pub named after George II's son, ''Poor Fred'', Prince of Wales. It has managed to retain its traditional feel by maintaining separate saloon and lounge bars. A good choice of ales and lagers but no food. Greene King pub.</drink>

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===Kingston===

===Kingston===

There are a large variety of pubs and bars from cheaper chain pubs such as Wetherspoons to the trendy riverside bars. The main club is '''Oceana''' which is always very popular and attracts a great number of people from surrounding areas.

There are a large variety of pubs and bars from cheaper chain pubs such as Wetherspoons to the trendy riverside bars. The main club is '''Oceana''' which is always very popular and attracts a great number of people from surrounding areas.

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*'''Druids Head''', Market Place - the only remaining pub on Market Place

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*'''Canbury Arms''', Canbury Park Road - pub-restaurant a little way out of central Kingston doing a good range of beers

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*'''Willoughby Arms''', Willoughby Road - in the same direction as the Canbury Arms, a centre for real ale drinkers

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*'''Lamb''', Brighton Road, Surbiton - quality beers and wines but also has a cheese club and is very much involved with the local community

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*'''Grey Horse''', Richmond Road - a pub and a renowned local music venue

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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===Bromley===

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*'''Avis Hotel''', 33 Rodway Road, Bromley BR1 3JP. Mid-range

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*'''Bromley Court Hotel''' on Bromley Hill, is an elegant old-time place, that has been taken over now by Best Western.

*Avoid flashing valuable possessions in the town centre to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

*Avoid flashing valuable possessions in the town centre to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

*Croydon town centre becomes very popular on Thursdays with TigerTiger open to under 21's, and its weekends with a multitude of popular bars in the town centre. Always prebook your taxi for safety on a night out because the local London Black cabs are very expensive. That said, the night bus network in Croydon is very good ,and the vast majority of journeys will be completed without incident: as ever, common sense applies.

*Croydon town centre becomes very popular on Thursdays with TigerTiger open to under 21's, and its weekends with a multitude of popular bars in the town centre. Always prebook your taxi for safety on a night out because the local London Black cabs are very expensive. That said, the night bus network in Croydon is very good ,and the vast majority of journeys will be completed without incident: as ever, common sense applies.

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* It is advised to be cautious in this area as it can have a rough crowd. In March of 2012 two men were stabbed, one of whom died due to his wounds.

==Get out==

==Get out==

Revision as of 16:28, 19 October 2013

South London is generally defined as any part of Greater London that is south of the river Thames. However this guide will only cover the outer South London boroughs, and 'exclude' the inner South London boroughs namely; Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich, and the westerly borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Understand

Most areas of present South London were once towns and villages in the counties of Surrey and Kent outside London, which were assimilated by London as it expanded rapidly in the 19th & 20th centuries. Surrey and Kent are still used as part of the official postal addresses for some areas of south London.

Most of outer South London is residential suburbia, and generally of little tourist interest. The main towns of outer south London are Kingston-upon-Thames, Wimbledon, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley and Bexleyheath. Each of these towns are major commercial centres with major transport interchanges, entertainment & shopping centres.

Kingston-upon-Thames would have to be considered the most interesting of the aforementioned towns for visitors. It is a former market town within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. It is where many Saxon kings were crowned before the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066. It has a pleasant riverside location with views across the river to nearby Hampton Court Palace & Park, which is a tourist destination anyone visiting London should really try & see.

Bromley

Bromley is a borough of London, situated in the southeast of Greater London. Much of the borough was historically in the county of Kent, as is reflected by the presence of Kent County Cricket Club's second XI and Tewnty20 teams in Beckenham, and the fact that the postal county of Kent is sometimes still used for traditional reasons for much of the borough (though postal counties are no longer required in UK postal addresses). Beckenham and Crystal Palace Park use to host confusingly the London CCC, which has the famous WG Grace before it was disbanded. The London Borough of Bromley was created in 1965 by the London Government Act 1963 and officially incoporated into Greater London. HG Wells grew up in a house along the High St, which until recently had a sci-fi mural in tribute to him. Charles Darwin also lived further out, at Down House, which is in the greenbelt to the southern edge of the Borough. Here one can find Biggin Hill Airport a small private airfield, used mainly for civil aviation, an International Air Fair in June and also featured in the Da Vinci Code.

The borough is the largest in London by area and occupies 59 square miles (153 km²). The borough shares borders with Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley to the north, Southwark and Lambeth to the north west, Croydon to the west; and the counties of Surrey to the south and Kent to the south and east.

Croydon

[31]
Known to some as the "Dallas of the South" due to the density of shiny glass and steel high rise office block, mostly owned by the Home Office government department. Wellesley Road runs north/south through Croydon and adds to the rather drab appearance but the pedestrianised shopping precinct west of here provides some relief. A new major re-generation plan has been announced, called Croydon Vision 2020, which includes the new shopping centre and Croydon Gateway site (which includes a arena, park, offices and bars).

Croydon has a cross-section of British history: Among its famous residents were author Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, model Kate Moss, journalist Emile Zola, dubstep pioneer Benga, and punk rocker Captain Sensible of The Damned.

Get in

By tube or London Overground

The London Underground system does not cover South London as extensively as North London. The Northern Line (Black) terminates at Morden. The District Line (Green) terminates at Wimbledon.

Opened in Summer 2010, the London Overground now links West Croydon and Crystal Palace stations to East London, primarily at Whitechapel station, and North London at Dalston Junction station.

By train

South London is served by several train services from Central London stations. Check the London Transport maps for the correct station as the layout of the lines is rather confused in places.

From London-Charing Cross and London-Cannon Street to Bexley and Bromley.

Bromley

By car

The M25 sits on the southern edge of the borough. Junction 4 (Bromley/Orpington) quickly connects with the A21, though for Chislehurst and areas it may be quicker to use Junction 3. The A21 is the main London to Hastings road and it runs through the borough before heading south to Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.

By train

The borough has 27 railway stations which cover much of the area and are served by three Central London stations; London Victoria, London Blackfriars and London Bridge (and, by extension, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Charing Cross). The main transport hub in the borough is Bromley South, with regular fast trains to London Victoria and a network of buses that stop outside the station and go to all parts of the borough. Orpington is the major station for the east of the borough.

By air

Biggin Hill Airport is a former RAF airfield from which the Battle of Britain was coordinated and serves private jets. While the runway is usable by aircraft up to Boeing 737/Airbus A320 size, it is prohibited for airline operators to sell tickets for flights in and out of the airport, thus there are no scheduled or holiday charter flights from the airport. However, there is still a surprisingly large number of business flights.

Croydon

By Underground

Croydon is not served by the Underground network. However the old East London Line has been integrated into the new London Overground network, linking West Croydon Station to Dalston Junction via New Cross, Docklands, and Whitechapel. This service, which started in June 2010, uses new rolling stock with longitudinal seating layouts similar to those used on Underground trains allowing for more standing room. It is operated by Transport for London as part of the London Overground scheme.

By tram

A tramlink tram bound for Croydon

Tramlink, opened in 2000, is the first modern tram system to operate in Greater London. Trams at the moment have destinations at Beckenham, Wimbledon, Elmers End and New Addington with all lines traveling through Croydon, on the Croydon Loop. It can also be used to reach the Underground in Wimbledon. Tramlink also has planned extensions to the M25 motorway (Park & Ride system), Sutton, Bromley, Lewisham with a planned extension to Crystal Palace. All these plans have been shelved by the current Major of London.

By train

East Croydon station is the second busiest station in London and the main station for Croydon. Fast trains run into the centre of London terminating at Victoria or London Bridge stations in about 15-20 minutes.

There are direct service connections to London Gatwick and London Luton airports. Journey times from East Croydon to London Gatwick airport range from 15 to 36 minutes, with an average of 13 services per hour during the day. The journey time from East Croydon to London Luton airport is approximately 66 minutes, with an average of 4 services per hour during the day. The train service for London Luton airport also stops at London St Pancras (average journey time approximately 40 minutes), providing interconnections for Eurostar services to Lille, Paris and Brussels, as well as national services to the north of England & Scotland. There are no direct train services to London Heathrow airport. Typical fastest journey time would be approximately 90 minutes and involve at least two changes.

All services from London Victoria that head to the south coast stop here. Journey times from East Croydon to Brighton range from 36 to 60 minutes, with an average of 9 services per hour during the day.

Services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect.

West Croydon station—which features in the famous story "Casting the Runes" by ghost story master M.R. James—is an interchange station for train, tram and bus. Trains run into the centre of London terminating at Victoria or London Bridge stations in about 20-40 minutes. Services leaving London generally terminate at Sutton but some continue to Guildford, Dorking and Epsom Downs.

By bus

Croydon is well served by the London bus network, with a major bus station at West Croydon and a new one opening on the eastern side of Croydon next to the Croydon clocktower and Park Place shopping centre soon. Bus services in the centre of Croydon include, but are not limited to:

Get around

Bromley

Transport for London (TFL) manages bus services in Bromley and these are operated by Selkent and Metrobus.

Croydon

Croydon is mostly pedestrian friendly, North End the main shopping parade was closed for traffic over 10 years ago and most places can be easily reached on foot.

By taxi

There is a large taxi stand, served by black cabs outside the main entrance to East Croydon Station.

By bus

Buses leave at West Croydon station, with most buses leaving Croydon stopping at the bus station next to West Croydon station. The other bus station is opposite East Croydon station on George street, although not all buses going past it stop.

See

Bexley

Red House in Bexleyheath is a major building of the history of the 'Arts and Crafts style' and of 19th century British architecture. Has some interesting textile displays. William Morris lived here, the architect was Philip Webb, with wall paintings and stained glass by Edward Burne-Jones. Run by English Heritage. Not open every day.

Danson Park is a truly stunning yet under-visited park, next to Welling, that features a mansion house (Danson House) and boating lake.

Woolwich Dockyard - historic area for both ship and weapon-making. The Arsenal (of which the football club derives its name from) is little left, although there is an Artillery Musuem and parade ground with attached garrison for soldiers which is sometimes used. Will be hosting several events for the Olympics.

Charlton House, a Jacobean manor house. Formerly housing a museum and archives, the mansion is now a community centre, and much of the former pleasure grounds are parks.

Abbey Woods, as the name suggests, woods with a now-ruined abbey (Lesnes).

Bromley

Chislehurst Caves, Old Hill, Chislehurst, ☎+44 20 8467 3264 ([email protected]), [1]. W-Su 10AM-4PM, seven days during school holidays. A seriously underlooked attraction, the caves are not in fact caves but a twenty-mile long network of passageways, carved from the chalk deep under Chislehurst over a period of 8,000 years. Used as a massive air-raid shelter during World War II, the Caves are now a local tourist attraction. Tours often last for an hour, were you'll learn the fascinating history as well as hear ghost and horror stories. It can also be rented as a venue, and is used for by those into D&D 'cosplay' games.£5, concessions £3, under 5's free. Nearby, the exiled Emperor Napoleon III lived in a country house, which is now Chislehurst golf club. Derwent House is also notable for its exquisite style.

Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Rd, Orpington, ☎+44 20 8460 1442 ([email protected]), [2]. Apr-Oct, Bank Holidays, W F 10AM-1PM and 2PM-5PM, Su 2PM-5PM. The only villa open to the public in Greater London. It was inhabited from about AD 140-400 and was the centre of a large farming estate. Today you can see the remains of 10 rooms protected inside a public viewing building. Remains include tiled (tessellated) floors and the under-floor heating system (hypocaust).£1, children £0.70.

Down House, Luxted Rd, Downe, ☎+44 1689 859119, [3]. Feb-mid-Dec W-Su 11AM-4PM, additional hours in spring and summer. It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world when it was published in 1859. Built in the early 18th century, the house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. The rooms on the ground floor have been furnished to reflect the domestic life of the family and the first floor offers an interactive exhibition on his life, his research and his discoveries. English Heritage has restored the gardens to their appearance in Darwin's time.£8.80, children £4.40, English Heritage members free.

Penge Police Station, [4]. Oldest working police station in London. Built in 1905.

Croydon

Because it was heavily bombed in WW2 Croydon features a patchwork of old and new architecture.

The Whitgift Almshouses. Form a fine Tudor courtyard.

The Town Hall. Very impressive with a huge clock tower.

Clock Tower Museum. Exhibitions on the gifted black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) who lived most of his life in Croydon. His works include The Song of Hiawatha, a great favourite (before World War II) at the Royal Albert Hall conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent.

Woodside Green. Visit for a villagy experience and go to the Joiner's Arms or Beehive pubs for a pleasant drink or meal.

The control tower of Croydon Airport in 1939, with the Imperial Airways de Havilland DH 91 Albatross Fortuna alongside

Croydon Airport. London's former main airport, now disused and is now a tourist attraction.

Museum of Croydon. A museum highlighting Croydon in the past and present includes the Riesco Gallery

Shirley Windmill. Restored and the only surviving windmill in Shirley.

Addington Palace. 18th century mansion in Addington.

Croydon Clocktower. Arts venue, opened by Queen Elizabeth II.

Nestle Tower. The famous UK headquarters of Nestle, one of the tallest towers in England.

Fairfield Halls. Arts centre, which opened in 1962, frequently used for BBC recordings.

Croydon Palace. Summer residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for over 500 years.

Croydon Cemetery. Most famous for the gravestone of Derek Bentley, wrongly hanged in 1953.

Mitcham Common. Partly in the borough, shared with Sutton and Merton, this massive green space is good for quiet walks when the weather is nice and sledding when there's snow on the ground.

Kingston

The Coronation Stone. Whilst not full of sights, an item of some interest is the coronation stone, on which seven English kings from Edward the Elder to Aethelred the Unready were crowned. The stone is located outside the Guildhall, and is close to the market.

The Thames. Kingston borough has recently put a lot of effort into redeveloping the riverfront, and it is an extrememly pleasant way to spend a summer day. It can get very busy, and to avoid the crowds you can cross over Kingston bridge and walk along the quieter Richmond side.

Out of Order. For a good photo opportunity seek out the phone boxes, a sculpture by artist David Mach in Old London Road featuring a number of disused red telephone box leaning against each other like dominoes.

Do

Bexley

Green Chain Walk, begins at the gardens by the Thames Barrier and is a leafy pedestrian and cycle path that continues deeper into the south-eastern suburbs. Can also check the pretty villages of Kent dotted around just outside London.

Watch a match at Welling United or Charlton Atheletic.

Bromley

Churchill Theatre. Offers a range of theatrical performances, including touring productions, performances by (very good) local amateur groups, and pantomime during the Christmas and New Year period (usually starring somebody who used to be in Neighbours). Bromley Little Theatre is close to the North Station. [6] Bromley also has a medium-sized Odeon cinema.

Quaser, a laser-tag arena along Bromley Road in Downham, which is good fun for the kids or a rainy afternoon.[32].

There is a large swimming pool in the Pavillion Leisure Centre[33], which has flume shoots and a wave-machine.

Croydon

David Lean Cinema, [7]. Croydon's only independent cinema, named after the famous film director who was born in Croydon. The cinema is operated by Croydon Council.

Warehouse Theatre, [9]. Large and well-known theatre for (mostly) young performers.

Outdoor Spaces, [10]. The London Borough of Croydon has 120 parks & open spaces which you can visit freely.

Sport

Crystal Palace Football Club, Selhurst Park Stadium, Whitehorse Lane, SE25 6PU, ☎Ticket office: 0871 200 0071, [11]. Crystal Palace F.C are a professional football league club. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, capacity 26,309 (all seated), where it has been based since 1924. Another popular south London side, with more of a family-feel is Charlton Athletic who play at The Valley, also 26,000 all seated capacity.

Surrey County Cricket Club, Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT. Surrey County C.C is one of the 18 professional county clubs which make up the English domestic cricket structure. They play four home games away from the Oval (Kennington, Lambeth/South London) each season. Two of these games are played at the Whitgift School, the other two games are played in Guildford. See their website for fixture list.

Croydon Football Club, Croydon Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, SE25 4QL, ☎+44 20 8654 8555, [12]. Croydon F.C are a semi-professional "non-league" football club founded in 1953, as Croydon Amateurs. They currently compete in the Kent League Premier Division. Croydon Sports Arena is 2 minutes walk away from the Arena tram stop. They are somewhat overshadowed by Croydon Athletic though. There is several other 'semi-pro' sides playing various divisions, in the southern suburbs of which they are named after, such as Welling United, Bromley F.C., Sutton United and Cray Wanderers - the oldest association football club still in existance in London. Tickets are typically between £3-10, which is far cheaper then watching Crystal Palace or a Premiership side, and arguably a more authentic experience, as you'll be sharing a seat (or more likely standing) pitchside, next to passionate fans, who help run or own shares in the club.

Croydon Pirates is one of the largest baseball clubs, actually located at Roundshaw, just in the Borough of Sutton. They boast two diamonds and often host the London Baseball Tournament in August. They have a team in the highest divison of baseball in the UK, which is still amateur. [34]. Similarly, there is Richmond Flames, which sport several sides in different leagues and play further afield in south-west London.

Most of London's sporting venues are within easy reach of Croydon, via public transport.

Wimbledon - Lawn Tennis Championships, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5AE, ☎+44 20 8944 1066, [13]. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held each year over a two week period in late June & early July. Take tram from Croydon to Wimbledon, then either use special bus service or short walk using directions provided on website. Typical journey time should be no more than 30-40 minutes.

Kingston

Bike along the riverside. Follow the Thames path to Richmond upon Thames, Kew (home of the botanical gardens) and beyond into Barnes and Putney. In the opposite direction you will find Hampton Court, which has open air picnic concerts during the summer months.

Football. Football enthusiasts can catch two clubs that play at Kingsmeadow, also known as The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium due to a commercial sponsorship deal.

AFC Wimbledon, ☎+44 20 8547 3528, tickets +44 20 8546 9582, [14]. Founded in 2002 by former fans of Wimbledon F.C. when that club received approval to move from London to Milton Keynes, where the club is now known as Milton Keynes Dons. After a series of promotions in the following years, AFC Wimbledon are now in Football League Two, the fourth tier of England's professional club system.

Kingstonian F.C., [15]. Formed in 1885, currently play in the Ryman Premier Division, three promotions away from AFC Wimbledon.

It is possible to also still see speedway and dog-racing at Wimbledon stadium, which is in the Borough of Merton.

Buy

Bromley

Each of the towns and villages in the borough has its own distinct high street but Bromley High St remains the main shopping centre and runs the length of the town. The northern section is mainly comprised of a cinema, specialist shops and restaurants. As the high street gets to the Market Square, there are a number of pubs. The central section of the High Street, between Market Square and Elmfield Rd, is pedestrianised.

Glades shopping mall, (Runs parallel to the east side of the High Street). The bulk of the better-known stores are in this area.

The Mall, (The southern section of the High Street, which runs down to Bromley South Station). Does not get many shoppers.

Time Trek Cute little comic-book shop near Bromley South station. Has imported manga and action-models too. TK Maxx is a large department store for great-valued clothes nearby.

Croydon

Croydon is one of the top 20 retail destinations in the United Kingdom, it has two large and a smaller shopping centers. All the major chain stores can be found in Croydon, along with most department stores (including the only Allders left in the UK).

Beano's / Marketplace, Middle Street, [16]. 10AM - 6PM. Beano's which once was the largest second-hand CD, LP and DVD store in Europe, has now closed. It has however been replaced by Marketplace, which consist of 50 small market stalls selling arts & crafts.

Centrale Shopping Centre, North End (Close to West Croydon station), [17]. M-W, F Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Th 9:30AM-9:00PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Shopping centre opened in 2004, situated on 4 floors. Shops include House of Fraser, Debenhams, Next, Zara, H&M, French Connection and Aldo. The Food Gallery is on the top floor of centre and includes a wide variety of restaurants.

North End. The shopping road in Croydon

Purley Way, (To the south west of Central Croydon, but still in the borough). Large retail area including large stores such as one of the four IKEA's in London, a B&Q warehouse, the first Homebase, TJ Maxx, Vue, Megabowl, Mothercare World, Argos Extra, Sainsbury's, City Limits and more. There are various retail parks there aswell, Valley Park, Purley Way retail park, Croydon Colonades, Waddon Goods Park, Croydon Fiveways.

Kingston

Kingston has the most extensive range of shops in the southeast of England outside central London, and is very popular, especially at weekends. Virtually all major chains have branches, as well as several independent shops and boutiques.

Bentall centre, Clarence St, [19]. Biggest shopping mall. Four-storey mall, which is anchored by a multi-level department store, Bentalls, which sells high-end fashion, home ware and specialty food products. John Lewis is the other main department store in town and is noted for quality. It has a branch of Waitrose supermarket in the basement.

Fife Road, (Between the Bentall Centre and the railway station). Several clothing boutiques.

Kingston Marketplace. The marketplace was historically at the heart of Kingston's prosperity, benefiting from a Royal Charter forbidding any other markets within seven miles. Today it mostly sells fruit and vegetables, although there are some other stalls. There are also occasional visiting markets from France and Germany that sell regional produce and takeaway food and drink.

Eat

Bexley

Real China along Bexleyheath Hight St. One of the best buffets in all of South London. The sumptious interior and atmosphere will have you believe you really are in China!

Caligvlette Fine Greek and Meditarreanean cusine, next to the GreyHound Wetherspoons Pub on the High St. [35]

There is a large choice of typical resturants you would see on most High Streets, such as Zizzi or Pizza Express, with some good curryhouses spread around like 'Tinga next to Odeon Cinema. Opposite is Taste Buffet, which has standard Chinese dishes, but the friendly service lends a personal touch to your dining. £6.40 Lunchtimes.

Croydon

Visitors are often surprised by the variety, quality and affordability of Croydon's restaurants. Whilst the pedestrianised centre is overflowing with bland chains and fried chicken, The High St and South End Rd (south of the flyover) has an excellent selection of independent places, which is (sadly) becoming a victim of its own success, and itself is beginning to be taken over by the chains.[36]

Splurge

Auberge, Units 2153-2156, Whitgift Centre, ☎+44 20 8680 8337. French.

La Brasa, 108a High St, ☎+44 20 8760 9610. Argentinian. Winner of numerous 'Best local restaurant 200x' awards and is a real gem - small and unpretentious and serving flavoursome steaks, chicken and other delights. They buy good quality meat which actually has some taste, and it shows.

Kingston

The area of Kingston of New Malden has a sizeable Korean population and there are a large number of restaurants along the High St. Korean barbecue, such as galbi or samgyeopsal is available in numerous places. Another option is bibimbap, a mixture of various vegetables, rice and chilli paste.

Drink

Bromley

Borough-wide, Bromley's town centre drinking establishments are generally the sort of generic chain fayre you would find anywhere. However, away from the centres, there are good pubs, many in the traditional vein.

The Prince Frederick, 31 Nichol Ln, Sundridge Park. Allegedly the only pub named after George II's son, Poor Fred, Prince of Wales. It has managed to retain its traditional feel by maintaining separate saloon and lounge bars. A good choice of ales and lagers but no food. Greene King pub.

The Red Lion, 10 North Rd, Sundridge Park. Some christen this the best pub in Bromley. A friendly atmosphere, good quality ales and decent, affordable pub food make this an excllent choice. Greene King pub.

Sundridge Park. A small neighbourhood just to the north of Bromley, has retained some well-liked, traditional pubs.

Croydon

Bar Red Square, 63-67 High St, ☎+44 20 8688 1020. Wine Bar.

Black Sheep Bar, 68 High St, ☎+44 20 8680 2277, [23]. Alternative and very friendly rock bar which provides a nice change from the rest of the town centre's establishments. Very cheap drinks until 10pm most days. It is a members bar but arrive with any form of ID and you will be signed up for free and allowed in.

Green Dragon, 58-60 High St, ☎+44 20 8667 0684. Pub with an eclectic but very good natured crowd. Live bands and DJs some nights of the week.

The Spreadeagle, 39-41 Katharine Street, ☎+44 20 8781 1134. Good place to get a pint with a tasty pie.

Kingston

There are a large variety of pubs and bars from cheaper chain pubs such as Wetherspoons to the trendy riverside bars. The main club is Oceana which is always very popular and attracts a great number of people from surrounding areas.

Druids Head, Market Place - the only remaining pub on Market Place

Canbury Arms, Canbury Park Road - pub-restaurant a little way out of central Kingston doing a good range of beers

Willoughby Arms, Willoughby Road - in the same direction as the Canbury Arms, a centre for real ale drinkers

Lamb, Brighton Road, Surbiton - quality beers and wines but also has a cheese club and is very much involved with the local community

Grey Horse, Richmond Road - a pub and a renowned local music venue

Sleep

Bromley

Avis Hotel, 33 Rodway Road, Bromley BR1 3JP. Mid-range

Bromley Court Hotel on Bromley Hill, is an elegant old-time place, that has been taken over now by Best Western.

Bickley Manor Hotel, Thornet Wood Rd, Bromley, Kent BR1 2LW

Sundridge Park Manor Hotel

Croydon

There is a wide range of accommodation for visitors to the London Borough of Croydon. The Tourist Information Centre promotes establishments which are members of the National Quality Assurance Standards Scheme. Each establishment is inspected annually by trained assessors from the AA, RAC or English Tourism Council (ETC). Members of the Quality Assurance Scheme are graded according to quality, facilities and level of service. The grading is denoted by stars (H) or diamonds (¨). Any establishment which has no grading is not part of the Scheme, therefore quality cannot be assured. The AA, RAC and English Tourism Council (ETC) have joint grading schemes for hotels, guest accommodation and self catering. Hotels are graded from one to five stars. These indicate the quality, facilities and level of service. The more stars the higher the quality, level of service and range of facilities offered. Guest Accommodation===
Guest accommodation includes guest houses, bed & breakfasts and some hotels. They are graded from one to five diamonds. All establishments must meet minimum standards for facilities and services. More diamonds are awarded for higher standards of quality and customer care.

London Gatwick Airport, London Road, County Oak, RH10 9GY GATWICK Rd, ☎"+44. ibis London Gatwick Airport hotel is an economy London hotel located 5 minutes' drive from London Gatwick Airport

Stay Safe

Croydon

The Purley Way is a difficult place to get about by foot: some areas can be reached by tram but the park is designed for cars.

Avoid flashing valuable possessions in the town centre to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Croydon town centre becomes very popular on Thursdays with TigerTiger open to under 21's, and its weekends with a multitude of popular bars in the town centre. Always prebook your taxi for safety on a night out because the local London Black cabs are very expensive. That said, the night bus network in Croydon is very good ,and the vast majority of journeys will be completed without incident: as ever, common sense applies.

It is advised to be cautious in this area as it can have a rough crowd. In March of 2012 two men were stabbed, one of whom died due to his wounds.

Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!